What type of personal protective equipment offers the highest level of respiratory protection?

The Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) provides the highest level of respiratory protection because it supplies breathable air from a controlled source, typically a tank of compressed air. This type of equipment is essential in environments where air quality is compromised, such as in the presence of toxic gases, vapors, or particulate contaminants.

Unlike other options, an SCBA is designed for use in scenarios where there is a high risk of exposure to hazardous atmospheres, effectively isolating the user from the surrounding environment. The standard SCBA is equipped with a facepiece that creates a tight seal, ensuring that the air the user breathes is uncontaminated.

In contrast, the Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) relies on filters to clean the air coming in, which have limitations in highly contaminated environments. Reusable respirators offer some protection but are often less effective than SCBA in more hazardous conditions since they depend on filters that can become saturated. Single-use face masks provide minimal respiratory protection and are mainly meant for basic levels of exposure, making them inadequate for serious hazards.